African ESG Summit: Catalyzing Climate Solutions through Impact Investing
The 3rd edition of the African ESG Summit took place on Thursday, October 9. Organized by Managers Magazine, the event addressed the climate issue during the panel "Catalyzing Climate Solutions: Deploying Capital for Impact".
Key Takeaways from Misa Andriamihaja, Climate Investor
Speaking at the panel, Misa Andriamihaja, Climate Investor, shared a profound reflection on how impact investing should evolve in Africa. For her, true change comes from reconnecting with the human dimension of entrepreneurship. She reminded the audience that investment is not just about numbers, returns, or economic models, but also about empathy and understanding the journey of those who carry out projects. "Investing is above all an act of empathy," she emphasized, stressing the need to listen to entrepreneurs, understand their constraints, and recognize the obstacles they face daily.
The Importance of Collaboration and Inclusive Support
The speaker also highlighted the importance of collaboration between different ecosystem actors. She believes that the sustainable development of African businesses relies on solid networks where investors, donors, and entrepreneurs share their experiences and co-create solutions. This cooperation, she said, should become the norm to provide continuous support rather than sporadic assistance. Andriamihaja also emphasized the role of support structures – incubators, accelerators, or investment funds – which, in her opinion, should adopt a more inclusive and long-term approach. "We need to build networks where everyone – investors, founders, partners – learns to collaborate, share, and support each other over time," she stated.
Conclusion
The African ESG Summit provided a platform for discussing the evolution of impact investing in Africa, with a focus on climate solutions and sustainable development. By prioritizing empathy, collaboration, and inclusive support, ecosystem actors can work together to create a more sustainable and equitable future for African businesses.
